1963 VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 3 SQUAREBACK

This award-winning 1963 Volkswagen 1500 Type 3 Squareback was built in the UK by Simon Fox with the goal of winning at VolksWorld in 2011. While it did not triumph at that event, it did win at shows around Europe and is now regarded as one of the best VW Type 3 Squarebacks in the world. Its engine is a 2017cc VW air-cooled flat-four, which is paired with a four-speed Rancho Performance Pro Street gearbox. The odometer reads 76,879 km.

Built and delivered in Australia in 1963, Simon Fox discovered it in Adelaide and shipped it to the UK as a project car that could be restored to win the top awards. It stayed there for 10 years while he prepared and completed the build. His work done; it then completed the round trip by returning to Australia in 2011, and it has been with the current owner for the past decade. When acquired by the vendor, it had 73,285 km on the odometer, so the car has covered just shy of 3,600 km in 10 years.

It is the definition of a nut-and-bolt rebuild, with fixtures and fittings replaced with hand-polished stainless steel. Simon Fox spent seven years sourcing new-old-stock parts for the car and then a further 18 months going through the entire car to make sure every element was as he wanted it before he even got to stripping and painting it.

The work on the body, paint, chrome and trim was outstanding, and the car presents immaculately in metallic grey paintwork with a contrasting gloss black roof. Its panels are undamaged and line up well, and the paintwork has been superbly maintained since the restoration. The owner mentions just one small stone chip on the front of the bonnet, documented in the accompanying photos. The car sits low on Fuchs replica wheels that are in great condition.

Inside, this Volkswagen is just as impressive. The interior has been fully reupholstered in red leather with contrasting vinyl and the work has been both completed to a high standard and well maintained. Highlights are the Formula steering wheel, early Gene Berg shifter, Hüls seat recliners on the front seats, and rare original push-button dash. The car also includes a retro-inspired radio that provides FM and iPod connectivity.

This has all been maintained in excellent condition, and the only thing to note is a small tear in the base of the passenger front seat. All controls, switches and electronics work correctly.

The engine is a 2017cc Type 3 air-cooled unit that runs a CB Performance crank, forged flywheel, Engle FK7 cam and 8.5:1 compression. Steve Tims at Performance Workshop developed the VW 043 heads, and the carburettors are Weber 44 items. With the additional development, the engine now makes 140bhp at the flywheel. The additional power goes through a four-speed Rancho Performance Pro Street gearbox with longer fourth gear, and Wilwood Powerlite callipers help to pull the car up smartly under braking.

Leon’s Motors has performed a yearly service on the car during the period of ownership. In December 2019 a full service was carried out including new spark plugs and leads and engine and gearbox oil change.

It will be sold with its birth certificate from Volkswagen Germany, import and compliance papers for its return to Australia, and a copy of VolksWorld, who featured the car in January 2012.

Built to incredibly high standards and well-maintained since then, this 1963 Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback is a labour of love that has clearly inspired that same passion in its current owner. Featuring some discerning modifications while retaining its period charm, this is a practical and sprightly classic that is ready to delight another enthusiast.

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This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.